Paul Lato Chardonnay 'Le Souvenir' Sierra Madre Vineyard

Rated 4.89 out of 5 based on 62 customer ratings

Paul Lato Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard 2020

Name: Paul Lato Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard 2020
Brand: Paul Lato
SKU: M3LCUKMNRHCW4SFH2RE6HQBI
Price: 79.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.89 (63 reviews)

$79.95

13.00% /

750ml /

Vintage: 2020

WA 96
JD 97
VIN 93

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Winery: Paul Lato Wines
Varietal: Chardonnay
Winemaker: Paul Lato
Wine Style: White Wine - Buttery and Complex
Wine Country Of Origin: United States
State / Province: California
Sub Region / AVA: Central Coast / Santa Barbara County / Santa Maria Valley

Brand: Paul Lato Wines

Wine Description

Paul Lato Chardonnay ‘Le Souvenir’ Sierra Madre Vineyard 2020 is a remarkable expression of balance and tension. Sourced from the esteemed Sierra Madre Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley appellation, this wine captivates with its intriguing mineral character and vibrant profile. Crafted by the talented winemaker Paul Lato, it is a true testament to his expertise and dedication.

In the glass, this Chardonnay displays a pale golden color that shimmers with elegance. The aroma is beautifully aromatic, unveiling notes of vibrant Hawthorne flowers, crushed rock, and enticing key lime pie. These scents intertwine harmoniously, drawing you in with their alluring complexity.

On the palate, Le Souvenir offers a steely and precise entry, driven by high-toned acidity. The flavors unfold gracefully, revealing the essence of Meyer lemon zest and tangy lime rind. The crisp and bright characteristics of this wine linger on the tongue, resulting in one of the lengthiest finishes in Paul Lato’s lineup. It leaves a lasting impression that invites you to savor each sip.

Renowned wine critics have showered praise on this exceptional Chardonnay. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it an impressive 97 points, highlighting its ripe and powerful nature. The wine has a light and concentrated flavor with hints of melon, honeyed lemon, toasted bread, and almond paste. The finish showcases classic Santa Maria salinity and minerality, adding to its overall appeal.

Additional critical acclaim comes from Wine Advocate, with a score of 96 points. The vintage has a charmingly traditional style with mature fragrances of apricot, apple pie, nutmeg, and jasmine. The full-bodied palate is beautifully ripe and concentrated, boasting seamless acidity and creamy banana nuances on the long finish. Aged for 16 months in 45% new French oak, this wine exudes elegance and finesse.

Vinous also joins in with 93 points, noting that the 2020 Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vineyard Le Souvenir strikes a delightful balance between richness and energy. The beverage features a blend of lemon confit, white pepper, tangerine oil, and dried flowers, along with subtle tropical undertones. Despite its weighty feel, this extrovertive Chardonnay remains captivating, offering a myriad of pleasures to explore.

Paul Lato Chardonnay ‘Le Souvenir’ Sierra Madre Vineyard 2020 is a truly exceptional California Chardonnay, showcasing the finest qualities of the Santa Maria Valley. With its harmonious interplay of flavors, bright acidity, and remarkable length, this wine is a testament to the artistry of Paul Lato and the renowned Sierra Madre Vineyard. Enjoy it now or cellar it for the next 4-6 years to witness its continued evolution.

Additional information

Weight	3.50 lbs
Size	750ml

Reviews (63)

63 reviews for Paul Lato Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard 2020

Rated 5 out of 5
Sabrina Jeune – October 21, 2015
Toasty oak aroma, richly styled and delightful. Price?
Rated 5 out of 5
Debra Yamakawa – May 14, 2017
Excellent Chardonnay! Stone fruit, citrus, minerality, full-bodied with subtle oak.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jack Laurent – August 8, 2018
Three bottles, all excellent. No detail. Last one.
Rated 5 out of 5
Erica Castillo – August 25, 2018
Perfectly balanced with enthusiastic flair!
Rated 5 out of 5
Robert Grindstaff – September 15, 2018
Intense, mineral Chardonnay. Light yellow, medium body. Lemon, rocks, saltwater on the nose. Pear, gooseberry, quartz, almond extract on the palate. Sour finish. Not creamy or fruity. Taut energy. Needs air. Drink in next year or two.
Rated 5 out of 5
David Callis – March 24, 2019
Fantastic with aeration, bursting with tangerine and perfect harmony.
Rated 5 out of 5
Marty Leng – April 21, 2019
The perfect wine for Easter dinner. Complex and unique, with flavors of marzipan, almonds, and round fruit. Surprisingly Chardonnay. A conversation starter, leaving guests wanting more. Excellent choice!
Rated 5 out of 5
Todd Roush – August 28, 2019
Excellent wine; improved with an hour of aeration.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jodi Banks – August 29, 2019
Nose: Steel, lemon, hint of vanilla. Taste: Smooth, buttery pear, lemon, steel.
Rated 5 out of 5
Johnny Scott – September 27, 2019
Delicious Cali Chard with honeyed finish. Top-notch acidity, notes of lemon, white peach, and cream crackers. Great now, more complexity to come.
Rated 2 out of 5
Luis Warner – October 20, 2019
Disappointing.
Rated 5 out of 5
Wayne Royals – November 15, 2019
2019 Los Olivos Trip: Strong oak on the nose, but palate offers great balance. Fruit, oak, acid, texture all working together. Needs more time. 94-95, potential to improve.
Rated 5 out of 5
Bruce Purdy – January 12, 2020
Good chard, but falls short of the hype. Barrel wood, vanilla, cream notes. Enjoyable, lacks depth of fruit. Slightly too acidic, sour aftertaste. Overall, a decent wine.
Rated 5 out of 5
Laquita Warren – April 15, 2020
Crisp and citrusy with a touch of oak and smoke. Moderately long finish.
Rated 5 out of 5
Joshua Grimsley – April 20, 2020
Stunning wine! Complex, bright acidity, classic peach, citrus, oak, and vanilla. Absolute harmony. Huuuge length. Fantastic Chardonnay. Thrilled to have five bottles left.
Rated 5 out of 5
Kevin Holton – April 26, 2020
Pale yellow, slightly cloudy. Aromas of lemon thyme and oak. Tastes of tangerines, lemons, and oyster liquor. Smooth with a long finish. Nice.
Rated 5 out of 5
Clifford Coleman – June 5, 2020
Delicate pale gold. Hints of citrus on the nose, followed by butter, peach, and creamy flavors. A truly enjoyable wine from Paul Lato, slightly more subtle than the bold Duvarita. Love them both.
Rated 5 out of 5
Michael Morse – June 13, 2020
Impressive chardonnay with tropical fruit, brioche, and light spice notes. Great aromatics, texture, and balance. Enjoy over 5-7 years. Great juice.
Rated 5 out of 5
Diane Koch – June 20, 2020
Fantastic wine with a floral aroma, rich but not heavy. Balanced oak, savory notes, and a finish of bitter pip and chalk.
Rated 5 out of 5
David Thomas – July 3, 2020
Lemon yellow. Med-full bodied. Med acid. Muted vanilla/toast. Long finish. Very nice.
Rated 5 out of 5
Beatrice Snow – July 12, 2020
Great wine, light color. Oak is subtle, but could use more citrus or green apple notes. Young, but has potential. Excited to have another bottle in the cellar.
Rated 5 out of 5
Steven Owens – August 10, 2020
With a little time, it opened up beautifully and will only get better with age.
Rated 5 out of 5
Andrew Fredeen – August 17, 2020
Drink now. Uncork within a year or two. No need to wait.
Rated 5 out of 5
William Beach – September 21, 2020
This wine boasts tropical fruit notes, a touch of spice from medium oak, and a refreshing finish. It drinks beautifully now and will age well for 3-5 years. Fans of Aubert Chardonnay will love it. Great potential.
Rated 5 out of 5
Christy Sharp – October 11, 2020
Well-crafted new world chardonnay. Notes of sweet lemon and oak. Medium-plus bodied with a lingering finish. Fruit-forward with a hint of acidity.
Rated 5 out of 5
Barbara Bailey – October 27, 2020
Tropical fruits, spicy oak, and refreshing acidity. Enjoy now or age for 3-5 years. Perfect for Aubert Chardonnay fans. Great potential.
Rated 4 out of 5
Tim Martin – December 3, 2020
Full-bodied and perfect for Thanksgiving, but the overly sweet fruit was a letdown. Medium finish, lacked complexity.
Rated 5 out of 5
Maria Low – December 25, 2020
Great quality for the price. Refreshing and balanced.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jose Lee – January 3, 2021
A unique wine with bubble gum aromas, richer and more interesting than its counterpart. Notes of salinity and minerality add depth. May have a longer lifespan. Richness limits consumption to one glass at a time.
Rated 5 out of 5
Noel Guillory – January 7, 2021
Medium-bodied reminiscent of Aubert. Pineapple, peach, lemon with oak and spices. 20 second finish. Gained body, slight loss of minerality compared to last year. Lovely with King crab legs. 94-95.
Rated 5 out of 5
Elizabeth Wester – January 22, 2021
Delicious and case-worthy. Avoid over-chilling.
Rated 5 out of 5
Beth Acencio – January 24, 2021
Superbly balanced with rich mouthfeel. Notes of lemon, butter, brioche, peach, and apricot. Good acidity for balance and lift. Medium length, moderate complexity. Perfect now, ages well.
Rated 5 out of 5
Todd Harvey – February 6, 2021
Paul Lato’s golden straw wine embodies the beauty of California’s Central Coast. With notes of pear, honeycrisp apples, white peach, and a hint of pink grapefruit, it is a true masterpiece.
Rated 5 out of 5
Laurie Dale – March 6, 2021
Impressive wine with tropical fruit, spice notes, integrated oak. Richness without heaviness. Lively acidity, ages well. Good juice.
Rated 4 out of 5
Brandon Coleman – April 17, 2021
Cold start, reminiscent of white Burgundy. Evolved with warmth, adding sweetness. Rich palate, citrus, peach, honeycomb. Slightly hot finish, high acidity. Enjoyable now, potential for aging.
Rated 5 out of 5
Angela Rhyne – May 5, 2021
Creamy yet lively Chardonnay with precision in flavor and finish. Impressive and within its prime. Aromas of lemon meringue, fresh pear, and ocean air. Flavors of ripe peach, grapefruit, and vanillin. Classy and complex, outshining other top producers. Great value at $75. Strong on the second day.
Rated 5 out of 5
Maria Silver – June 30, 2021
Well-crafted chardonnay with lemon, citrus, and a touch of oak.
Rated 5 out of 5
David Thomas – July 4, 2021
Delicious California chardonnay – buttery, golden, well-rounded with good acidity and a long finish. A perfect sipper on a hot day.
Rated 5 out of 5
William Arvesen – August 8, 2021
Evolutionary wine with tropical fruit, baked bread, hazelnut, and light smoke. Richness without excess. Excellent with food. Impressive depth and texture. Comparable to top California wines. Good juice.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sidney Martenez – August 23, 2021
Fresh, crisp, with notes of lemon peel and mandarin orange. Perfect for pairing with stinky cheeses and scallops. Rating: 93+.
Rated 5 out of 5
Anthony Singleton – November 6, 2021
Impressive wine. Tropical fruit, balanced acidity, and subtle spice. Depth, texture. Paul Lato’s winemaking is truly special. Good juice.
Rated 5 out of 5
Dorothy Candelaria – January 31, 2022
Paul Lato’s $70 single vineyard Chardonnay is a balanced, intense, and deep wine. With aromas of peach, apricot, and praline shavings, and flavors of lemon meringue, gooseberry, hazelnut, and saline, it offers a firm but expansive finish. Rated 95, with potential for improvement in 2023.
Rated 5 out of 5
Yvonne Howard – February 21, 2022
Impressive Chardonnay, could benefit from aging.
Rated 5 out of 5
India Vigil – March 4, 2022
Consistently great with perfect balance. Long finish, crave-worthy sips. Best so far. Case worthy.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jeanne Ramirez – March 10, 2022
Fresh and acidic, with familiar notes.
Rated 5 out of 5
Robert Kirby – June 12, 2022
Balanced Chardonnay with tropical fruit, spice, and integrated oak. Depth, texture, and a touch of acidity. Aromatically stimulating. A top Chardonnay from the Central Coast. Good juice.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sean Bullman – July 2, 2022
Exceptional.
Rated 5 out of 5
James Joslyn – July 25, 2022
Bracing chardonnay, not for butter/oak lovers. Pale yellow, medium-bodied. Citrusy with minerality and unctuous finish. Unsure of aging potential, but why wait?
Rated 5 out of 5
Pearl Johnson – August 27, 2022
Exquisite CA chardonnay.
Rated 5 out of 5
David Bueno – August 28, 2022
Complex and balanced with pineapple and kiwi flavors. Medium finish.
Rated 5 out of 5
David Marsh – October 10, 2022
Rated 5 out of 5
Yvonne Doe – November 6, 2022
Incredible complexity, acidity, and balance. Paul and his team are doing great work.
Rated 4 out of 5
Wendy Shim – December 23, 2022
This wine is simply amazing. Perfectly enjoyable. Great with RAMEN.
Rated 5 out of 5
Rhonda Vidot – February 18, 2023
First bottle of Paul Lato – won’t be the last. Like Kistler, with sweet butter, lemon, pear, and apple notes. Balanced and delicious.
Rated 4 out of 5
Mollie Alston – March 4, 2023
Decent power, length, and a savory finish. Dry, not bitter. Not as opulent, but good overall.
Rated 5 out of 5
Joann Washington – March 17, 2023
Paul Lato’s NY wine: unbelievably well-made, complex and rich. Honeyed citrus fruit, brioche, acacia flowers, tropical undertones. Powerful yet elegant, weightless. Perfect balance. Very long, smooth, lively acidity. Impressed as a European white Burgundy lover.
Rated 5 out of 5
Esther Benjamin – March 21, 2023
April 2020 was my first taste of this Chardonnay, and now, on my fifth bottle, it remains a treasure. Richness in perfect harmony with fruit and acidity, with impressive length. Pair it with lamb chops and roasted cauliflower – an ideal match. Perfect for those seeking a lighter pairing with grilled meats. I must get more!
Rated 5 out of 5
Todd Johnson – April 9, 2023
Under the radar California wine with a perfect balance of tropical fruit, spice, bread, and floral notes. Great choice.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sidney Perkins – April 9, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5
Bonnie Arcizo – April 12, 2023
Elegant, precise, and clean. Great acidity. Medium-bodied, pale color. Hints of floral, ginger, pineapple. Alluring, compelling like Paul’s wines. Well made, stellar fruit.
Rated 5 out of 5
Mark Bobek – April 16, 2023
Decent, but cheaper options available.
Rated 5 out of 5
Alexa Stone – April 17, 2023
Delightful wine with notes of white flowers, orange peel, brioche, and tangerine. Subtle oak undertones. Saving my last bottle for later.
Rated 5 out of 5
June Chaffins – June 27, 2023
A vibrant yellow/gold wine with citrus and tropical fruit notes. Silky and full-bodied, with a smooth, palate-saturating finish. Less delicate, more full-bodied than other Lato wines.

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Critical Acclaim

WA 96

Wine Advocate

The 2020 Chardonnay le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard has a pleasantly old-school style, with ripe aromas of apricot, apple pie, nutmeg and jasmine. The full-bodied palate is ripe, concentrated and satiny with seamless acidity and creamy banana touches on the long finish. It comes from 27-year-old Wente clone vines and matured for 16 months in 45% new French oak. Best After 2022.

JD 97

Jeb Dunnuck

From a great site outside of Santa Maria, the 2020 Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard is another ripe, powerful Chardonnay revealing musky notes of melon, honeyed lemon, toasted bread, and hints of almond paste and chalky minerality. Full-bodied, concentrated, and layered on the palate, it stays remarkably light on its feet, has good acidity, and a great finish that picks up some classic Santa Maria salinity and minerality.

VIN 93

Vinous

The 2020 Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vineyard Le Souvenir is a classic Santa Maria Chardonnay that balances richness and energy. Lemon confit, white pepper, tangerine oil, dried flowers and light tropical accents abound. The 2020 feels a bit heavy, but this extroverted Chardonnay has a ton to offer.

Food Pairing with Paul Lato Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard 2020

Our wine experts think this Buttery and Complex Paul Lato Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard 2020 wine would be a match made in heaven with these dishes. Bon appétit!

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Paul Lato Wines

Nestled in California's picturesque wine country, Paul Lato Wines has been a beacon of excellence since its establishment. Opening its doors in 2002, this winery has consistently championed the values of authenticity, harmony, and elegance in every bottle. The heart of Paul Lato's winemaking lies in their meticulous vineyard selection. Collaborating with skilled vineyard managers, they handpick exceptional vineyards and even specific blocks within them, ensuring the highest quality grapes. This dedication shines through their farming practices, where yields are deliberately limited to enhance flavor concentration. Embracing minimal intervention, their cellar work is a testament to the pure essence of winemaking. Rejecting one-size-fits-all approaches, they rely on intuition,... Read More

Chardonnay

Chardonnay, the noble white grape varietal, has captivated wine enthusiasts around the world with its elegance, versatility, and ability to reflect its terroir. Originating in the Burgundy region of France, Chardonnay has spread its vines across the globe, leaving its indelible mark on the wine industry. Chardonnay grapes are renowned for their unique characteristics. They possess small to medium-sized clusters with round berries that range in color from green to golden. The flavor profile of Chardonnay is remarkably diverse, offering a wide range of aromas including green apple, citrus, tropical fruits, melon, and vanilla. These flavors can vary significantly depending on the terroir, climate, and winemaking techniques employed. The winemaking process plays a crucial role in... Read More

Winemaker of Paul Lato Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard 2020

Paul Lato

Paul Lato's journey into the world of winemaking is a testament to passion and perseverance. Hailing from Poland, Lato's voyage began as a certified Sommelier in Toronto's upscale dining scene. California's wine country beckoned, and in the early 1990s, he made his first visit, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation. Guided by Jim Clendenen of ABC Winery & Clendenen Wines, Lato took a leap of faith, relocating to California. Despite starting at Bien Nacido vineyards for a humble wage of $10.00 hourly, he immersed himself in the craft. Under the mentorship of industry luminaries and fueled by relentless curiosity, Lato nurtured his winemaking skills. The turning point arrived when Robert Parker, a revered figure in the wine world, encountered Lato's creations. Parker's... Read More

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Santa Maria Valley

The history of Santa Maria Valley as a wine region traces back to its official recognition as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1981. Situated in the northernmost part of Santa Barbara County, it holds the distinction of being the first AVA in the county. However, its viticultural history dates back much further. Spanish missionaries were known to cultivate vineyards in the area as far back as the 18th century, laying the foundation for the region's wine heritage. Nestled on the western edge of the Santa Maria Valley, the AVA benefits from its unique location and geography. The valley stretches from east to... Read More

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Paul Lato Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard 2020